Bolton's preparations for the new Premier League season have been hit by a serious injury to midfielder Lee Chung-Yong.

Lee, 23, suffered a double fracture of his lower right leg in a pre-season friendly with Conference side Newport County on Saturday and will now be out for a minimum of nine months.

Manager Owen Coyle told the club's official website: "We will make sure Chung-Yong gets all the support he needs, as now it is all about his recovery and well-being. That is the most important thing. The operation went well and we would like to pass on our thanks to the medical staff involved."

The South Korea international was injured in a challenge with County's Tom Miller and was stretchered off with his right leg in a brace and taken to Royal Gwent hospital in an ambulance for x-rays.

Miller, who was immediately taken off, is said to be distraught at Lee's injury.

Marc Iles, chief football writer at the Bolton News, tweeted that he heard a "horrible crack" and the player needed treatment for 10 minutes before being carried off. Paramedics gave him oxygen as they prepared the stretcher.

The game got worse for Bolton when Ricardo Gardner, on as a substitute, lasted only 18 minutes before appearing to go off injured.

Lee made 31 Premier League appearances last season, scoring three goals and providing the most assists, six.